Duterte says prostitutes not arrested in Davao City

June 26, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte has said he allowed prostitution in Davao City when he was still its mayor.

In a speech in Cagayan de Oro City during the oath-taking of newly-elected barangay captains in Region X on Monday, Duterte said no prostitutes were arrested.

"In Davao I tell you, no prostitutes are being arrested. I do not allow the police to arrest prostitutes," he said.

He also said that he did not allow police in Davao City to go to night clubs and inspect the papers of the establishments.

"They (police) have no business doing that. It is only the City Health Office - woman - who can conduct inspections," Duterte said.

But Duterte said he only told the women working in night clubs to submit themselves to health examination. "Just use condom. You would not have problem," he added.

Prostitution is punishable under Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code.

Duterte's daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio is now the mayor in Davao City. Celerina Monte/DMS